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Facade Access Solutions supports building owners, developers and contractors across Canada. Our Canadian teams plan, install and maintain permanent facade access solutions for high-rise towers and complex facades from coast to coast. We stay with each project from the design stage to long-term service.
Buildings across Canada operate in demanding environmental and regulatory conditions that place added pressure on facade access systems. Extended winter conditions, rapid temperature shifts, seismic considerations and strict provincial safety requirements all influence how permanent building maintenance equipment must be designed, specified and maintained.
As part of Alimak Group, we combine global facade access expertise with local engineering support. Our facade access solutions are engineered to perform reliably under these conditions. They support safe and efficient building maintenance year-round while meeting operational and compliance requirements.
Our Canadian facade access product range covers permanent access systems for buildings of every height. We draw on the Tractel, Manntech and CoxGomyl brands to match the right system to each facade.
Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) deliver a complete and easy-to-use system for access to the exterior of a building. Access to the platform is from the roof level. The operation requires less preparation and rigging time. Built-in safety devices efficiently control and monitor all operations for complete operator safety, total access and protection of facade surfaces. Each system is engineered to suit the building geometry, roof structure and maintenance requirements. Our BMUs reach every corner of the envelope while handling wind, seismic and freeze-thaw loads.
Powered davit systems and portable davits are a popular permanent access choice for exterior buildings across Canada. Tractel’s two-piece davits tilt to horizontal before detachment from the davit base. When the arms are lowered, the davit boom separates from the davit mast for movement to the next work location. Push-out outrigger arms work as an alternative to traditional davit systems. They are used primarily at high parapets, screen walls and mansard roofs. They suit ground-rigged stage or work cage platforms. The ground area must be clear and free of obstructions to permit rigging. Each system is designed for practical deployment, safe operation and efficient facade maintenance access.
A monorail carries a cradle along a fixed track for atriums, soffits and recessed facades. Railscaf adds a flexible track-based option for harder geometries. Connected indoor retail, atrium-style mixed-use podiums and university courtyards across Canada often rely on monorail systems for facade access that a roof-mounted BMU or davits cannot reach.
Tiebacks and lifelines give rope-access and fall-protection anchors for facade work. They support safe access where a full machine is not required. Our horizontal lifeline systems give passive protection across building perimeters with low parapets. They protect users equipped with a harness and lanyard from falls as they traverse the line. These systems support many building access setups. Our anchor systems meet CSA Z91 and CSA Z259 fall-protection requirements. Province-specific configurations are available for Ontario, Quebec, BC and Alberta.
Powered platforms are the most popular solution for exterior building access in North America. Tractelleads the design and provision of these systems. Our powered platforms feature the patented Tirak powered hoist. This is the only traction hoist with dual reelers integral with the main drive shaft. The unique level winding mechanism keeps the suspension wire ropes wound evenly onto the storage reelers. This removes slack wire rope problems common with other traction hoisting systems. On Canadian offices and condos, powered platforms keep maintenance cycles predictable on glass facades.
We support a building across its full life. Our Canadian access solutions cover new towers, design-stage planning and upgrades to existing systems.
For new construction, we design and install facade access systems that fit the architecture from day one.
Our integrated design services bring access planning into the early design phase. This keeps systems compliant and hidden within the building line. Early integration also addresses snow loading and ice shed paths. Freeze-thaw expansion and seismic load are also planned before they become site problems.
Our retrofit services to add or upgrade access systems on existing buildings without disrupting tenants. Beyond facades, we also deliver infrastructure access solutions for bridges, tunnels and nuclear facilities across Canada. This includes support for CANDU power generation sites.
Our services keep access systems safe, compliant and ready to use. We service our own equipment and systems from other manufacturers.
Our service solutions cover planned maintenance and call-outs to keep systems running.
Our inspection, safety and compliance service checks systems against CSA Z91 and CSA Z259, along with provincial OHS regulations. Ontario Reg. 859, Quebec CNESST and WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 13 are common references on cross-province work.
Our refurbishment solutions extend the lifespan of aging BMUs and platforms by replacing components and controls. Most permanent facade access equipment carries a 25 to 30 year service life. Older Canadian towers often reach the point where full replacement is the right choice. We help building owners decide between refurbishment and full replacement to meet current safety expectations.
Genuine OEM spare parts keep older systems reliable and compliant.
Our asset management service tracks inspection records and service history in one place. This supports compliance with provincial requirements for documented evidence of inspection, anchor recertification and operator competency.
Our training prepares operators and competent persons to use systems safely. Programs align with CSA Z91 and Ontario’s Working at Heights training standard, with bilingual options available for Quebec.
Facade Access Solutions Canada delivers facade access systems supported by local project management, engineering, and after-sales service teams across the country. From early design coordination through to installation and ongoing maintenance support, we work closely with consultants, contractors, and building owners to deliver safe and compliant access solutions for Canadian projects.
Backed by more than 120 years of combined industry experience, 16,000+ installed machines worldwide, and over 300 projects delivered annually, we combine proven global engineering capability with dedicated local support.
Through Tractel, Manntech and CoxGomyl, clients gain access to a broad portfolio of permanent facade access systems from a single team. This allows us to specify solutions matched to building requirements, operational needs and long-term maintenance performance, backed by Alimak Group for every system.
Tell us about your building and your access needs. We will help you plan, install or service the right system.
Permanent facade access equipment in Canada is governed by CSA Z91 (Health and Safety Code for Suspended Equipment Operations). The standard calls for daily operator pre-use checks, periodic inspections and an annual third-party inspection and load test by a qualified person. Provincial OHS regulations layer additional requirements, including Ontario Reg. 859, BC OHS Regulation Part 13 and Quebec’s Code de sécurité. A summary of the codes, regulations and standards that apply to permanent access systems is available on our website.
Key references include CSA Z91 for suspended access equipment operations and CSA Z259 for fall protection. Provincial OHS Acts and regulations also apply at the worksite. Common references include Ontario’s OHSA and Working at Heights training, Quebec’s CNESST framework, BC’s WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation and the Alberta OHS Code. The National Building Code of Canada and provincial building codes set the baseline for structural anchorage and roof loading.
Yes. Our Canadian service teams maintain and inspect systems from many brands. Our OEM spare parts and refurbishment programs keep older units safe and compliant.
Yes. We bring access planning into the design stage so that systems stay compliant and well-integrated. For Canadian projects, that includes snow and ice loading, freeze-thaw expansion and roof crane runways from the first drawing.
Our equipment is engineered to perform reliably across the demanding climate conditions experienced throughout Canada. Systems are specified with cold-weather components, sealed control panels, corrosion-resistant materials, and protective coatings designed to withstand temperature extremes, moisture exposure, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Maintenance programs are also adjusted to suit the environmental conditions and operating requirements of each building.